In a surprising turn of events, JD Vance, the Republican vice presidential nominee, is set to make his first solo appearances on the campaign trail today.
This comes in the wake of the recent turmoil in the 2024 presidential race, following President Joe Biden's unexpected withdrawal, which has left the Democratic candidate's position uncertain.
According to ABC News, Vance, a senator from Ohio, has planned a rally in his hometown of Middletown this afternoon, and another in Radford, Virginia, later in the evening. These events follow his successful rally debut alongside Donald Trump over the weekend.
Originally, Vance was anticipated to face off against Vice President Kamala Harris in a debate. However, with Biden's departure and the Democratic ticket in flux, the senator is taking a leaf out of Trump's playbook, focusing his attacks on both Biden and Harris. "President Trump and I are ready to save America, whoevers at the top of the Democrat ticket, Vance declared on Sunday in a post on X, adding, Bring it on.
Trump's campaign strategy involves leveraging Vance, who was named the GOP vice presidential nominee last week, particularly in the Rust Belt states. These states, including Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania, are considered crucial for the Democrats' path to the White House. Vance's blue-collar roots and populist views are expected to resonate with the voters in these regions.
Middletown, Vance's hometown, is part of the Rust Belt. Holding his first solo event here not only allows Vance to highlight his life story, as detailed in his bestselling memoir Hillbilly Elegy, but also provides the campaign an opportunity to generate momentum in a former swing state that has been leaning Republican.
Vance's second event today will take place in western Virginia, an area considered part of the Appalachia region. In his speech at the Republican National Convention last week, Vance addressed the "forgotten communities" where "jobs were sent overseas and children were sent to war."
Despite his primetime debate presence and bestselling book, Vance is still working to introduce himself to voters. A CNN poll conducted in late June revealed that the majority of registered voters were either unaware of Vance or had no opinion of him. Only 13% of registered voters expressed a favorable opinion of Vance, while 20% had an unfavorable one.
Vance's political journey has been marked by a significant transformation. He has gone from being a severe critic of Trump, even comparing him to Hitler at one point, to becoming a staunch defender of the former president. He has actively campaigned for Trump and even accompanied him to his Manhattan criminal trial this summer.
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